Schanequa Monique Blake-McNeal

Welcome, family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate the love, partnership, and marriage of A’deva and Delon.

Today, July 24th, holds a beautiful significance. It marks exactly four years to the very day since these two first met. What began as a single moment four years ago has grown into the beautiful reality we are all witnessing today.

When looking at A’deva and Delon, it is easy to see why they belong together. They share a rare and wonderful bond. They are beautifully similar in personality—both wonderfully goofy, always ready to laugh, and happily remaining kids at heart. Beyond being partners, they are truly best friends who genuinely love simply spending time in each other's company.

Their very first date set the tone for their entire future. It was a date that lasted until the restaurant closed its doors. Because neither of them wanted the night to end, they found themselves at a park, sitting and talking for hours into the night.

In those quiet hours, they spoke of their dreams, their goals, what they wanted out of life, and what they hoped for in a relationship. It was a conversation of profound alignment. From that very first night, they discovered they wanted the exact same things: family, marriage, and a shared future. By the end of that first date, A’deva knew there was something deeply special about Delon. Today, that 'something special' brings them to this altar.

The Meaning of Marriage:

Marriage is the formal binding of those shared dreams. It is a commitment to keep talking through the late hours, to keep laughing, and to guard that childlike joy they share. It is a promise to build the family and the future they envisioned four years ago at the park.

Scripture Reading by Aunt Rena

"To ground this commitment in wisdom, Aunt Rena will now come forward to share a reading from Ecclesiastes 4:9–12."

"Let us pray"

*Lord,we ask for blessings upon this couple. May their laughter never fade, may their friendship deepen through every season, and may the dreams they shared on their very first date come to full fruition in their life together. Amen.*"

### Exchange of Vows

"A’deva and Delon have written promises to one another—vows that reflect their past, honor their present, and secure their future. They will now exchange these vows.

Do you A'Deva Peterson take this man Delon Elem to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Delon Elem take this woman A'Deva Peterson to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

Exchange of Rings

"These rings are outward signs of an inward grace and an unending commitment. As they exchange them, they seal the promises made today."

(With this ring, I thee wed, wear it as a token, and symbol of my love.)

Let us pray...Heavenly Father, we thank you for the love that has brought these two together. Bless their marriage with joy, understanding, and a love that grows stronger each day. Keep them together as one, and cover them in your name we pray, Amen."

By the authority vested in me and the State of Georgia I now pronounce you wife and husband!